Reactive target system, method and kit

ABSTRACT

A reactive target system, method and kit. The reactive target system includes a substrate, a volumetrically variable retainer to be attached to the substrate, and a housing to receive the retainer and be attached to the substrate. The retainer may be a balloon inflatable from an unfilled or partially filled, undeployed state to a filled, deployed state. In the deployed state, the retainer exerts a retention force on the housing sufficient to hold a weight of the substrate and the retainer within the housing. Related systems, kits, methods, apparatuses, techniques and articles are also described.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/084,144 filed on Sep. 28, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to targets, and more particularly, to a reactive housing attachment system for targets or reactive target system.

BACKGROUND

Developed target systems and methods often involve stationary targets or relatively expensive dynamic targets. Close quarters battle (CQB) training, in which shooters quickly engage targets throughout various rooms in a building, can present significant realism and safety challenges when using developed stationary target systems. Most CQB target systems are stationary and do not move when properly engaged, denying the shooter immediate feedback. The shooter has to wait until training has ceased so that the shooter can closely inspect the target to determine performance. This can be particularly difficult to do if the target has been used in multiple training iterations, which many are. This is both unrealistic and slows down training. Also, safety issues may arise if the training exercise calls for multiple shooters to continuously move from room to room. Subsequent shooters immediately following the initial shooter may engage the same target, because subsequent shooters do not have an indication that the target has already been successfully engaged. Beyond being unrealistic, this situation can present significant safety issues if the initial shooter has moved into a position in a hallway or other room that is behind the target. Further, developed target systems with dynamic feedback mechanisms are relatively expensive to manufacture and deploy.

The present inventors developed improvements in target systems and methods that overcome at least the above-referenced problems with the devices of the related art.

SUMMARY

One or more of the following features may be included in any feasible combination.

A reactive target system for a substrate may be provided. The system may include a retainer configured to be attached to the substrate. The system may include a housing configured to receive the retainer and be attached to the substrate. The retainer may have a volume that varies between an undeployed state and a deployed state. In the deployed state, the retainer may be configured to exert a retention force on the housing sufficient to hold a weight of at least the substrate and the retainer within the housing.

The retainer may be configured to deform or break in response to a projectile substantially impacting the retainer.

The retainer may be configured so that after the retainer deforms or breaks in response to the projectile substantially impacting the retainer, the retention force on the housing may no longer be sufficient to hold the weight of the at least the substrate and the retainer within the housing. On some exemplary embodiments, only the retention force on the housing may be sufficient to hold the weight of at least the substrate and the retainer within the housing.

The retainer may be inflatable. The undeployed state may correspond with an uninflated or partially inflated retainer, and the deployed state may correspond with an inflated retainer.

The retainer may be a balloon.

The retainer may be mounted proximate a position on a first portion of the substrate corresponding with a desired target on a second portion of the substrate different than the first portion.

The retainer may be mounted on a position on a first side of the substrate corresponding with a desired target on a second side of the substrate directly opposite the first side.

The retainer may include at least a first retainer and a second retainer. The first retainer may be mounted on a first position on a first side of the substrate corresponding with a first desired target on a second side of the substrate directly opposite the first side. The second retainer may be mounted on a second position on the first side of the substrate corresponding with a second desired target on the second side of the substrate directly opposite the first side. The first position may be a spaced distance apart from the second position.

The retainer may be suspended from an external support via a cord.

The retainer may be suspended from an external support via an alligator clip.

A reactive target method using a reactive target system for a substrate may be provided. The reactive target system may include a retainer configured to be attached to the substrate. The system may include a housing configured to receive the retainer and be attached to the substrate. The retainer may have a volume that varies between an undeployed state and a deployed state. In the deployed state, the retainer may be configured to exert a retention force on the housing sufficient to hold a weight of at least the substrate and the retainer within the housing.

The method may include inserting the retainer in the undeployed state into a cavity within the housing. The method may include inflating the retainer into the deployed state. The method may include shooting the target with a projectile until the projectile deforms or breaks the retainer.

The method may include retrieving the housing. The method may include inserting another retainer in the undeployed state into the cavity within the housing. The method may include repeating the inflating, shooting, retrieving, and inserting.

A reactive target kit for a substrate may be provided. The kit may include a retainer configured to be attached to the substrate. The kit may include a housing configured to receive the retainer and be attached to the substrate. The retainer may have a volume that varies between an undeployed state and a deployed state. In the deployed state, the retainer may be configured to exert a retention force on the housing sufficient to hold a weight of at least the target substrate and the retainer within the housing. The housing may be configured to lie substantially flat in an undeployed state.

The kit may include a cord, a clip, and an attachment device. The cord may be a nylon cord or a parachute cord. The clip may be an alligator clip. The attachment device may be at least one from the group consisting of double-sided tape, spray adhesive, a hook and loop fastener with an adhesive back, and a combination of the same.

The housing may include a self-healing polymer or elastomer.

The housing may be configured to fold into a flat configuration. The flat configuration may be optimized to reduce shipping costs. A weight of the system may be optimized to reduce shipping costs.

The substrate may be a shooting target. The system or kit may include a shooting target. The kit or system may exclude the shooting target.

The reactive target system may include a sleeve. The sleeve may include front and back sides. At least one of the sides may have a square or rectangular shape. At least two of the sides may be connected along two parallel edges. The sleeve may be configured to lie flat in an undeployed or shipping position. The sleeve may be configured to expand when pressure is applied and maintained against internal faces of at least two sides. The two sides may have a curved shape when expanded. The reactive target system may be made of plastic, cardboard, polymer, rubber, metal or metallic material, or any combination thereof.

The reactive target system may include a balloon or a plurality of balloons or the like. The balloon may be inserted into or inflated within a cavity within the reactive target system. Friction between the balloon and an interior surface of the reactive target system may create a retention force. A retaining clip may be affixed to a knot of the balloon. The retaining clip may be affixed to a stationary anchor. The retaining clip may be connected to the stationary anchor with a cord. The reactive target system may be configured for suspension in a connected configuration.

The reactive target system may include at least one piece of hook and loop material affixed to a side of the reactive target system.

The reactive target system may include a cube or cuboid form. The reactive target system may include front, left, right, and back sides, without top or bottom sides. The reactive target system may include at least one retaining hook connected to at least one side of the reactive target system. The reactive target system may include an origami form. The origami form may be configured to lie flat. The origami form may be expanded to have a rigid shape by unfolding the origami form. The reactive target system may be made of plastic, cardboard, polymer, rubber, metal or metallic material, or any combination thereof.

The retaining hooks may be made of the same materials as the reactive target system. The retaining hooks may be made of a different materials from the reactive target system. The retaining hooks may be configured to provide additional retention against the inflated balloon. The additional retention may be in addition to that which friction between the balloon and the internal faces of the reactive target system provides.

The reactive target system may include at least one foldable flap. The at least one foldable flap may be positioned in an internally-facing corner of the reactive target system. The foldable flaps may be configured to provide additional retention against the inflated balloon.

The reactive target system may include a cube or cuboid form with six sides. A top side may have a hole therein. A balloon may be inserted into the cavity between sides of the reactive target system through the hole. The balloon may be sufficiently inflated so as to touch all six sides.

The reactive target system may include a rigid form with top and front sides. The sides may have a square or rectangular shape. The reactive target system may include sides connected at a perpendicular angle.

The reactive target system may include a rigid conical shape. The reactive target system may include a flat front side that tapers towards the top and has holes on both the top and bottom.

These and other capabilities of the disclosed subject matter will be more fully understood after a review of the following figures, detailed description, and claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a reactive housing attachment system for targets or reactive target system in a sleeve configuration in an undeployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a target attached to the reactive target system of FIG. 1A in the undeployed state (obverse, not shown) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the target of FIG. 1B attached to the reactive target system of FIG. 1A in a deployed state;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a reactive target system in a foldable cubic or cuboid configuration without a top or bottom side and with two retaining hooks across the top in an undeployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a target attached to the reactive target system of FIG. 2A in the undeployed state (obverse, not shown) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the target of FIG. 2B attached to the reactive target system of FIG. 2A in a deployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a reactive target system in a foldable cubic or cuboid configuration without a top or bottom side and with foldable corners along the upper portion in an undeployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a target attached to the reactive target system of FIG. 3A in the undeployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the target of FIG. 3B attached to the reactive target system of FIG. 3A in a deployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a reactive target system in a foldable X-shaped configuration without a top or bottom side and with foldable arms in an undeployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a target attached to the reactive target system of FIG. 4A in the undeployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the target of FIG. 4B attached to the reactive target system of FIG. 4A in a deployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a reactive target system in a cubic or cuboid configuration with two retention loops across the top in a deployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a reactive target system in a cubic or cuboid configuration with four foldable tabs across the top in a deployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a reactive target system in a foldable cubic or cuboid configuration with a top or bottom side in an undeployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6B is a top view of the reactive target system of FIG. 6A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A is a back view of a substrate attached to the reactive target system of any of the exemplary embodiments according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B is the back view of the substrate attached to the reactive target system of any of the exemplary embodiments with a back surface of the reactive target system of any of the exemplary embodiments removed showing an inflated balloon inserted into a cavity of the reactive target system of any of the exemplary embodiments according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7C is the back view of FIG. 7B with a lanyard attached to the inflated balloon according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7D is a front view of the substrate of FIGS. 7A-7C with a desired target attached to the substrate and with the lanyard attached to a supporting frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7E is a front view of the substrate of FIGS. 7A-7C with a desired target attached to the substrate and with the lanyard in an unattached state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7F is a front view of the substrate of FIGS. 7A-7C with a desired target attached to the substrate and with the lanyard in an unattached state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8A is a front view of a main substrate attached to a head substrate and a lanyard in an unattached state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8B is a side view of the main substrate, the head substrate and the lanyard of FIG. 8A with a reactive target system attached to the head substrate and a reactive target system attached to the main substrate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8C is a back view of the main substrate, the head substrate and the lanyard of FIGS. 8A and 8B and a top view of each of the reactive target system s according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a method of target practice using a reactive target system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

It is noted that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the structures, systems, devices, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the reactive target system is defined solely by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The reactive target system is provided to indicate that a “Shoot Target” has been engaged. The reactive target system is particularly useful for shooting evolutions, specifically CQB training. The reactive target system is cost effective, scalable, and reliable. For example, military and law enforcement personnel may use the reactive target system to ensure a target has been engaged in a kill zone. Once engaged, the reactive target system is configured to drop a target indicating that a specific target can no longer be engaged. Also, the target rests on the ground and cannot be engaged by other personnel conducting a re-clearance. The reactive target system provides multiple uses on various targets. The reactive target system may be applied to any surface made of any material including cardboard and plastic. The target system can be attached to a bullet trap, a target frame holder, or hung from a structure. The reactive target system may be used for sniper practice, competitive shooting, or recreational shooting.

Overview

A reactive target system including a balloon housing attachable to paper or cardboard shooting targets is provided. The reactive target system is primarily intended to be used for training scenarios in “shoot houses”, where teams of shooters engage targets in a room and move to other rooms to continue engaging targets; however, the reactive target system can be used in various training settings. The housing attaches to the back of a target and the balloon is tied off to an anchor, which could be a target holder or some other stationary entity. When the balloon is shot, the target drops, providing immediate feedback to the shooter. Additionally, the reactive target system improves safety by preventing follow-on shooters from engaging the same target again after others have moved behind the same target during the training scenario. The reactive target system attaches to targets a consumer already owns, so this provisional application does not cover any targets.

Exemplary Embodiments

There are numerous exemplary embodiments of the reactive target system. The reactive target system may use a balloon that is blown up in or wedged into the housing. A user may attach a clamp, such as an alligator clip, to the balloon knot using clamping teeth of the clamp. The user may tie a cord, such as a nylon/parachute cord, on the other end of the clip. The clamp and the cord may be packaged with the reactive target system. The nylon/parachute cord may be tied off to an anchor. The nylon cord may be affixed to a stationary anchor, creating a single connection point holding the target up. A front side of the reactive target system may be connected to a back of a target using different methods, which are described below.

The reactive target system may include a sleeve, similar to an envelope for a card, with the top and bottom edges open. The sleeve may be configured to expand when the balloon is blown up inside of the sleeve. The reactive target system may include a cube shape with no top or bottom that comes folded flat. The balloon may be blown up inside or wedged in from the bottom. The reactive target system may include two retaining hooks across the top to prevent the balloon from slipping out of the top. The reactive target system may be configured similarly as noted above, except instead of the two retaining hooks across the top, the reactive target system may have small flaps in each of the four corners on the top that can fold out. The reactive target system may be similar to a tissue box that is configured to fold flat. The user may blow up the balloon inside of the housing after expanding the housing. The reactive target system may be similar to a rigid L-shape that has been rotated 180 degrees so that the reactive target system resembles a cube with only the top and front sides. The top may have a small hole in the top for the balloon knot to pass therethrough. The reactive target system may include a cone shape with holes on the top and bottom. The reactive target system may be flat on the front side and curved along the other 180 degrees, similar to a lamp shade that is pressed flush against a wall. The reactive target system may be configured for shipping in a relatively flat shape. The reactive target system may be expandable and/or stackable.

Materials

The reactive target system may be constructed of any suitable material including 1) plastic (e.g., polypropylene), 2) cardboard, paper, or pulp-based material, 3) polymer (e.g., elastomeric polymer or self-healing polymer or elastomer, 4) rubber (e.g., silicone), a combination of these materials, and the like. Relatively durable materials, such as polymer or rubber, improve the user's ability to reuse the reactive target system; however, such materials tend to increase production costs. Conversely, relatively less durable materials, such as plastic or cardboard, may diminish the user's ability to reuse the reactive target system; however, such materials tend to decrease production costs.

Adhesive

Each of the exemplary embodiments may be connected to the back of the target with any suitable adhesive including 1) double-sided tape, 2) spray adhesive, 3) a hook and loop (e.g., Velcro) with adhesive back, a combination of these adhesives, and the like. The adhesive may be packaged with the other materials for the reactive target system. The adhesives may be used with embodiments that are relatively less durable, because detaching the reactive target system from the target would be relatively difficult. The user may apply the double-sided tape or spray adhesive to the reactive target system and attach the reactive target system and adhesive to the desired area on the back of the target. After being shot several times by a shooter with a projectile, the reactive target system, the target, or both the reactive target system and the target may become unusable relative to their deployed state. The user may dispose or recycle the reactive target system. When the adhesive is Velcro, which is relatively more expensive than, e.g., double-sided tape or spray adhesive, the Velcro may be used on the reactive target system made of a relatively durable material. The front side of the reactive target system may have a piece of outward-facing Velcro permanently attached. The reactive target system may be packaged with several separate pieces of Velcro with a peel adhesive backing. The user may expose the adhesive on one of the separate pieces by peeling off the paper backing, attaching the exposed adhesive of the separate piece to the back of the target, and then attaching the Velcro side of the reactive target system to the Velcro now attached to the target. Once the target is no longer usable, the user may pull the reactive target system off and throw away the target, which may still have the separate Velcro piece attached to the target. The user may attach another piece of Velcro with an adhesive back to a different target and reattach the reactive target system.

When a shooter successfully engages the target in an area immediately in front of the reactive target system, a projectile, such as a bullet, may perforate the housing and puncture the balloon. When the projectile perforates the housing and/or punctures the balloon, a connection between the balloon and the reactive target system is severed, causing the target to fall, thus providing the shooter with clear and immediate feedback.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the reactive target system may include a sleeve with front and back sides, each with a square or rectangular shape, that are connected along two parallel edges. The sleeve may be configured to lie flat in an undeployed position. The sleeve may be configured to expand when pressure is applied and maintained against the internal faces of the two sides. The two sides may have a curved shape when expanded. The sleeve may be made of plastic, cardboard, polymer, rubber, metal or metallic material, any combination thereof, or the like.

An adhesive may be applied by the user, or a hook and loop with adhesive backing may be permanently affixed during production, to the external face of the front side to connect the reactive target system to a paper or cardboard target. A balloon may be inserted into or inflated within the cavern between the front and back sides. The friction between the inflated balloon and the two sides creates a retention force. A retaining clip may be affixed to the balloon knot and affixed to a stationary anchor by a nylon cord to suspend the target and reactive target system in a connected configuration.

Furthermore, in accordance with exemplary embodiments, the reactive target system may include: a cube or cuboid form with front, left, right, and back sides, and no top or bottom sides. Two retaining hooks may connect to the front and back sides. An origami form may be configured to lie flat and may be manually expanded to have a rigid shape by unfolding the origami form. The form may be made of plastic, cardboard, polymer, rubber, metal or metallic material, any combination thereof, or the like, and the retaining hooks may be made of the same materials.

An adhesive may be applied by the user, or a hook and loop with adhesive backing may be permanently affixed during production, to the external face of the front side to connect the reactive target system to a paper or cardboard target. An inflated balloon may be inserted into or inflated within the cavern between the sides. The two retaining hooks provide additional retention against the inflated balloon in addition to that which the friction between the balloon and the internal faces of the four sides provides. A retaining clip may be affixed to the balloon knot and affixed to a stationary anchor by a nylon cord to suspend the target and reactive target system in a connected configuration.

Furthermore, in accordance with embodiment of the present disclosure, a reactive target system can include: a cube or cuboid form with front, left, right, and back sides, and no top or bottom sides. The four internally-facing corners in the upper portion have foldable flaps. The origami form lies flat and may be manually expanded to have a rigid shape by unfolding it. The form may be made of plastic, cardboard, polymer, rubber, metal or metallic material, or any combination thereof, and the foldable corners may be made of the same materials, as well various others.

An adhesive may be applied by the user, or a hook and loop with adhesive backing may be permanently affixed during production, to the external face of the front side to connect the reactive target system to a paper or cardboard target. An inflated balloon may be inserted into or inflated within the cavern between the sides. The four foldable corners on the upper portion provide additional retention against the inflated balloon in addition to that which the friction between the balloon and the internal faces of the four sides provides. A retaining clip may be affixed to the balloon knot and affixed to a stationary anchor by a nylon cord to suspend the target and reactive target system in a connected configuration.

Furthermore, in accordance with embodiment of the present disclosure, a reactive target system can include: a cube or cuboid form with six sides. The top side has a hole in the middle. The origami form lies flat and may be manually expanded to have a rigid shape by unfolding it and folding the four pointed edges to form the bottom side. The form may be made of plastic, cardboard, polymer, rubber, metal or metallic material, or any combination thereof.

An adhesive may be applied by the user, or a hook and loop with adhesive backing may be permanently affixed during production, to the external face of the front side to connect the reactive target system to a paper or cardboard target. A balloon may be inserted into the cavern between the sides through the hole on the top side and sufficiently inflated so that it touches all six sides. A retaining clip may be affixed to the balloon knot and affixed to a stationary anchor by a nylon cord to suspend the target and reactive target system in a connected configuration.

Furthermore, in accordance with embodiment of the present disclosure, a reactive target system can include: a rigid form with top and front sides, of square or rectangular shape, connected at a perpendicular angle. The top side has a small hole towards the middle. The form may be made of plastic, cardboard, polymer, rubber, metal or metallic material, or any combination thereof.

An adhesive may be applied by the user, or a hook and loop with adhesive backing may be permanently affixed during production, to the external face of the front side to connect the reactive target system to a paper or cardboard target. A balloon may be inserted from the internal face of the top side through the hole and inflated. The balloon should be sufficiently inflated to provide friction so that the form does not sag. A retaining clip may be affixed to the balloon knot, which protrudes through the hole, and affixed to a stationary anchor by a nylon cord to suspend the target and reactive target system in a connected configuration.

Furthermore, in accordance with embodiment of the present disclosure, a reactive target system can include: a rigid conical shape, with a flat front side, that tapers towards the top and has holes on both the top and bottom. The form may be made of plastic, cardboard, polymer, rubber, metal or metallic material, or any combination thereof.

An adhesive may be applied by the user, or a hook and loop with adhesive backing may be permanently affixed during production, to the external face of the front side to connect the reactive target system to a paper or cardboard target. An inflated balloon may be inserted into or inflated within the cavern between the sides. The balloon knot should be exposed through the smaller hole towards the top. A retaining clip may be affixed to the balloon knot and affixed to a stationary anchor by a nylon cord to suspend the target and reactive target system in a connected configuration.

Referring now to embodiments of the present disclosure, the reactive target system discussed herein may be made of plastic, cardboard, polymer, rubber, metal or metallic material, or any combination thereof.

It is understood that the aforementioned embodiments and features associated therewith are not mutually exclusive of each other. Any of the features shown to be associated with an embodiment described herein may be adopted in another embodiment described herein. Therefore, the description herein of various embodiments does not imply that any features associated with a particular embodiment are limited solely to said embodiment.

As illustrated in each of the figures, a single-walled disposable sleeve (hereinafter “sleeve”) can include a single-walled disposable shell, made of a pulp-based material, defining a body. The body can include a base and a plurality of support walls coupled to the base. At least one of the support walls can include a planar surface. That is, the support walls may be formed such that the surface of at least one support wall is disposed in a single plane. In one example, two support walls disposed on opposite sides of the base can include planar surfaces, respectively, while two other support walls disposed on opposite sides of the base, each of which is substantially perpendicular to the two planar support walls, can include non-entirely planar surfaces, respectively.

The support walls and the base can define an interior cavity of the body. The support walls can extend upwardly from the base to form an opening at an upper terminus of the body. The opening may be in fluid communication with the interior cavity of the body. Notably, forming at least one of the support walls with a planar surface can maximize the volume of the interior cavity, allowing for greater storage capacity in the sleeve.

The body may be formed to include various features. For instance, the body may be formed with one or more handle portions disposed at an upper region of the body. In one example, the support walls may be formed with a ledge disposed beneath the upper ends of the support walls. The ledge may be substantially parallel with the base. The ledge can therefore function as a handle portion where a user grips an exterior portion of the ledge for transport of the sleeve. Specifically, the user can wrap his or her fingers under the inwardly extending portion of the ledge. Moreover, central portions of the support walls may be formed with indentations so as to produce additional room under the ledge for an improved grip.

The sleeve can further include a lid capable of covering the opening of the body. In this regard, the lid may be configured to reversibly couple with the body of the sleeve in any of a variety of ways, some of which are described herein across the various embodiments. The lid may be shaped in conformity with the opening of the body.

The lid may be formed to include various features. For instance, the lid may be formed with one or more cup holders disposed on a top portion thereof. The one or more cup holders may be formed into the top portion of the lid in any suitable configuration. Characteristics such as the dimensions, positioning, and number of the one or more cup holders can vary. In addition, one or more handle portions may be formed into the lid, as discussed in greater detail below.

Notably, the body and the lid of the sleeve may be made of a pulp-based material. Alternatively, the body may be made of a pulp-based material, and the lid may be made of a non-pulp-based material.

Pulp, as is generally known in the art, is a fibrous material prepared by chemically or mechanically separating cellulose fibers from wood, recycled paper, straw, grass, or other raw fibrous materials. Pulp is understood to be more eco-friendly than polystyrene, as pulp may be biodegradable (i.e., capable of disintegrating into an innocuous material), recyclable (i.e., capable of being reused or treated for reuse), and/or compostable (i.e., capable of decomposing within 90-180 days), without release of toxic residues upon decomposition.

In some cases, the pulp-based material from which the sleeve is made can derive from pre-consumer recycled paper. In other cases, the pulp-based material from which the sleeve is made can derive from a combination of the recycled paper and a wax additive (e.g., paraffin wax) added to enhance the water resistance of the sleeve. In yet other cases, a small amount of rosin (a solid form of resin) may be added to the pulp-based material to enhance the sleeve's durability. It is understood, however, that the pulp-based material can derive from any suitable pulp-producing materials generally known in the art.

The lid may be formed so as to fit inside of the upper ends of the plurality of support walls according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The support walls may be formed with a ledge disposed beneath the upper ends of the support walls. The ledge may be formed so as to be substantially parallel with the base, as described above. The lid may be formed such that outer edges thereof rest on an interior surface of the ledge when the lid covers the opening of the body.

In addition, the lid may be formed with a handle portion disposed at a central region thereof. The handle portion can enable a user to grip a top surface of the lid in order to remove the lid from the opening of the body. The handle portion may be formed in any manner suitable for a user's grip. In one example, the handle portion can include a portion of the lid which protrudes outwardly from an indentation region. In another example, the handle portion can include an elongated aperture formed into a portion of the lid protruding outwardly from a top surface of the lid. The elongated aperture may be formed to enable a user to insert his or her fingers therethrough.

The lid may be formed such that outer edges thereof are positioned outside of the plurality of support walls in a lateral direction when the lid covers the opening of the body according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The outer edges of the lid can extend downwardly below upper ends of the support walls. In this configuration, the lid can fully cover the upper ends of the support walls, i.e., the rim of the body. A user may be capable of the lifting the lid from the opening of the body by gripping the outer edges of the lid and pulling upwards.

The lid may be formed such that outer edges thereof are substantially flush with upper ends of the plurality of support walls when the lid covers the opening of the body according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The body may be formed with a handle portion disposed at an upper region thereof. In this configuration, the handle portion can include an indentation region formed into a portion of the upper ends of the support walls, enabling a user to grip a bottom surface of the lid. The user, gripping the bottom of the lid within the aforementioned indentation region of the body, can pull the lid upwards to remove the lid from the opening of the body.

The sleeve can further include a handle wrap structurally independent of the body and the lid according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The handle wrap may be formed with a cut-out portion shaped in a manner allowing a user to insert his or her fingers therethrough. When the lid covers the opening of the body, the handle wrap may be configured to surround an entirety of the body and the lid in a longitudinal direction such that the cut-out portion is positioned above the body and the lid. The handle wrap can provide for transport of the sleeve without the need to form a physical handle portion into either of the body or lid.

In this configuration, the lid may be formed such that outer edges thereof are substantially flush with upper ends of the plurality of support walls when the lid covers the opening of the body. However, the sleeve is not limited as such.

Like the body, the handle wrap may be made of the pulp-based material. Thus, when the sleeve includes the handle wrap, all components of the sleeve (i.e., body, lid, and handle wrap) may be compostable, recyclable, and/or biodegradable. Alternatively, the handle wrap may be made of a non-pulp-based material.

Accordingly, the single-walled disposable sleeve described herein may be made of a pulp-based material that is compostable, recyclable, and/or biodegradable. As a result, the sleeve may be disposed in an eco-friendly manner in which the sleeve disintegrates in a compost environment rapidly relative to conventional polystyrene sleeves and without leaving toxicity into the soil. The pulp-based single-walled sleeve described herein can comply with modern regulations prohibiting sale of polyethylene products, while providing consumers with a storage solution that is disposable. Moreover, the single-walled disposable sleeve described herein can include convenient features such as cup holders, handles, and the like, and reliably retain water for several days upon adding a wax additive to the pulp-based material used to construct the sleeve.

The present system and kit are configured to minimize shipping costs. A total weight of the system or kit may be less than 16 ounces. The housing may be configured to fold flat and thus fit into flat rate shipping boxes. A total volume of the system or kit may be less than a target dimensional weight of a given carrier to achieve cost savings, where the dimensional weight is a product of length, weight and height divided by a dimensional factor.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a reactive housing attachment system for targets (reactive target system) 100 in a sleeve configuration in an undeployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a target 150 attached to the reactive target system 100 of FIG. 1A in the undeployed state (obverse, not shown) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the target 150 of FIG. 1B attached to the reactive target system 100 of FIG. 1A in a deployed state. The target 150 may be attached to the reactive target system 100 with an attachment member 105. A cord 195 may attached to one or more of the reactive target system 100, the target 150, or a balloon inserted into a cavity within the reactive target system 100. The sleeve may be formed of two polymer sheets bound together with heat binding. The attachment member 105 may be a double-sided adhesive. The cord 195 may be lanyard. The sleeve may have (1) dimensions in a folded or flat state of about 2-8 inches by about 2-10 inches for a head target, and in some exemplary embodiments, about 6 inches by about 7½ inches for the head target, or about 3 inches by about 5 inches for the head target; (2) dimensions in a folded or flat state of about 3-7 inches by about 3-7 inches for a heart target, and, in some exemplary embodiments, about 5 inches by about 5 inches for the heart target or about 6 inches by about 6 inches for the heart target; and (3) dimensions in a folded or flat state of about 4-9 inches by about 10-14 inches for a heart and lungs target, which may also serve as a pelvis target in an orientation rotated 90°, and, in some exemplary embodiments, about 6 inches by about 12 inches for the heart and lungs target or the pelvis target, or about 8.5 inches by about 11 inches for the heart and lungs target or the pelvis target. The dimensions are configured to strike a balance between promotion of accuracy and consistency with 1^(st) to 99^(th) percentile dimensions of male and female adult targets. The sleeve may be configured to open and receive a retainer such as an inflated balloon (e.g., 790, 890). The reactive target system 100 may be provided in a kit including about 100 feet of 550 pound rated paracord and a plurality of clips, including alligator clips.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a reactive target system 200 in a foldable cubic or cuboid configuration without a top or bottom side and with two retaining hooks 210, 215 across the top in an undeployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a target 250 attached to the reactive target system 200 of FIG. 2A in the undeployed state (obverse, not shown) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the target 250 of FIG. 2B attached to the reactive target system 200 of FIG. 2A in a deployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The target 250 may be attached to the reactive target system 200 with an attachment member 205. A cord 295 may attached to one or more of the reactive target system 200, the target 250, or a balloon inserted into a cavity within the reactive target system 200.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a reactive target system 300 in a foldable cubic or cuboid configuration without a top or bottom side and with foldable corners 310, 315, 320, 325 along the upper portion in an undeployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a target 350 attached to the reactive target system 300 of FIG. 3A in the undeployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the target 350 of FIG. 3B attached to the reactive target system 300 of FIG. 3A in a deployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The target 350 may be attached to the reactive target system 300 with an attachment member 305. A cord 395 may attached to one or more of the reactive target system 300, the target 350, or a balloon inserted into a cavity within the reactive target system 300.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a reactive target system 400 in a foldable X-shaped configuration without a top or bottom side and with foldable arms in an undeployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a target 450 attached to the reactive target system 400 of FIG. 4A in the undeployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the target 450 of FIG. 4B attached to the reactive target system 400 of FIG. 4A in a deployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The target 450 may be attached to the reactive target system 400 with an attachment member 405. A cord 495 may attached to one or more of the reactive target system 400, the target 450, or a balloon inserted into a cavity within the reactive target system 400. The reactive target system 400 may include an opening 410 in one side of the reactive target system 400 for permitting an end of a balloon to pass therethrough.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a reactive target system 500 in a cubic or cuboid configuration with two retention loops 510 across the top in a deployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The retention loops 510 may be configured to prevent a balloon (e.g., 790, 890) from slipping from the reactive target system 500. FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a reactive target system 500 in a cubic or cuboid configuration with four foldable tabs 520 across the top in a deployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A target may be attached to the reactive target system 500 with an attachment member 505. The foldable tabs 520 may be configured to assist retention of a balloon (e.g., 790, 890). The foldable tabs 520 may be made of a same material as a body of the reactive target system 500.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a reactive target system 600 in a foldable cubic or cuboid configuration with a top or bottom side in an undeployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B is a top view of the reactive target system of FIG. 6A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A target may be attached to the reactive target system 600 with an attachment member 605. The reactive target system 600 may include an opening 610 in one side of the reactive target system 600 for permitting an end of a balloon to pass therethrough. The reactive target system 600 may be folded onto a back of a target (e.g., 150, 250, 350, 450). The reactive target system 600 may be fully assembled, partially assembled, or provided as a kit to be put together by a user, either alone or in combination with a target (e.g., 150, 250, 350, 450). The reactive target system 600 may include one or more foldable flaps 615, each of which may be tucked inside a cavity formed when the reactive target system 600 is folded into a deployed position.

FIG. 7A is a back view of a substrate 750 attached to a reactive target system 700, which may be the reactive target system 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 of any of the exemplary embodiments, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B is the back view of the substrate 750 attached to the reactive target system 700 with a back surface of the reactive target system 700 removed showing an inflated balloon 790 inserted into a cavity of the reactive target system 700 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7C is the back view of FIG. 7B with a lanyard 795 attached to the inflated balloon 790 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7D is a front view of the substrate 750 of FIGS. 7A-7C with a desired target 780 attached to the substrate 750 and with the lanyard 795 attached to a supporting frame 770 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7E is a front view of the substrate 750 of FIGS. 7A-7C with a desired target 780 attached to the substrate 750 and with the lanyard 795 in an unattached state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7F is a front view of the substrate 750 of FIGS. 7A-7C with a desired target 780 attached to the substrate 750 and with the lanyard 795 in an unattached state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In each of FIGS. 7D-7F, inclusive, a configuration of the balloon 790 is shown relative to the target 780, e.g., the balloon 790 may be positioned to correspond with a head, a heart, or any other desirable target of a subject depicted in the target 780.

Referring to FIGS. 7A to 7D, inclusive, in one exemplary embodiment, a method of deploying the reactive target system 700 (or a reactive target system of any embodiment disclosed herein) may include, upon receipt of the reactive target system 700, exposing an adhesive surface of the attachment member (e.g., 605) by removing a cover of the attachment member. The method may include attaching the reactive target system 700 to a substrate 750. The method may include placing an uninflated balloon (e.g., 790, 890) inside a cavity inside the reactive target system 700. The method may include inflating the balloon to fill the cavity and to protrude slightly from a top and a bottom of the reactive target system 700. The method may include securing the lanyard 795 to a knot of the balloon (790, 890) with a clip. The method may include selecting the target 780 and securing the target 780 to the substrate 750 with an adhesive, such as spray adhesive. The method may include a user shooting the target 780 with a projectile. When the user hits a point on the target with the projectile, and the point overlaps with a portion of the balloon, the balloon is popped by the projectile, the balloon deflates, and the target 780 drops downward due to gravity. The method may include inflation of a replacement balloon, and securing the replacement balloon to the lanyard 795 in the manner described above, and repeating the user shooting the target 780 with a projectile.

FIG. 8A is a front view of a main substrate 855 attached to a head substrate 850 and a lanyard 895 in an unattached state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8B is a side view of the main substrate 855, the head substrate 850 and the lanyard 895 of FIG. 8A with a reactive target system 800 attached to the head substrate 850 and a reactive target system 800 attached to the main substrate 855 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Each reactive target system 800 includes an inflated balloon 890 therein. FIG. 8C is a back view of the main substrate 855, the head substrate 850 and the lanyard 895 of FIGS. 8A and 8B and a top view of each of the reactive target system s 800 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The top view shows an opening 810 in either reactive target system 800 for accommodation of the balloon 890. The reactive target system 800 may be any of the reactive target system 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 of any of the exemplary embodiments. The reactive target system 800 mounted to the head substrate 850 approximates a head shot, and the reactive target system 800 mounted to the main substrate 855 approximates a heart or center of body shot.

Any of the systems 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 or 800 may be referred to as a housing.

FIG. 9 is a method 900 of target practice using a reactive target system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 900 may have a start 905 and an end 995. The method 900 may include inserting 910 the retainer 790, 890 in the undeployed state into a cavity within the housing 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800. The method may include inflating 915 the retainer 790, 890 into the deployed state. The method may include shooting 920 the target 150, 250, 350, 450, 780 with a projectile until the projectile deforms or breaks the retainer 790, 890. The method 900 may include retrieving 925 the housing 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800. The method may include inserting 930 another retainer 790, 890 in the undeployed state into the cavity within the housing 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800. The method 900 may include repeating the inflating 915, shooting 920, retrieving 925, and inserting 930. The method 900 may include additional steps, duplicate steps, omit steps noted above, and steps may be performed in any suitable order without limitation.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although at least one exemplary embodiment is described as using a plurality of units to perform the exemplary process, it is understood that the exemplary processes may also be performed by one or plurality of modules.

The use of the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and so on, herein, are provided to identify various structures, dimensions or operations, without describing any order, and the structures, dimensions or operations may be executed in a different order from the stated order unless a specific order is definitely specified in the context.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

Unless specifically stated or obvious from context, as used herein, the term “about” is understood as within a range of normal tolerance in the art, for example within 2 standard deviations of the mean. “About” can be understood as within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the stated value. Unless otherwise clear from the context, all numerical values provided herein are modified by the term “about.”

In the descriptions above and in the claims, phrases such as “at least one of” or “one or more of” may occur followed by a conjunctive list of elements or features. The term “and/or” may also occur in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which it is used, such a phrase is intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually or any of the recited elements or features in combination with any of the other recited elements or features. For example, the phrases “at least one of A and B;” “one or more of A and B;” and “A and/or B” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, or A and B together.” A similar interpretation is also intended for lists including three or more items. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C;” “one or more of A, B, and C;” and “A, B, and/or C” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together.” In addition, use of the term “based on,” above and in the claims is intended to mean, “based at least in part on,” such that an unrecited feature or element is also permissible.

The subject matter described herein may be embodied in systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles depending on the desired configuration. The embodiments set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all embodiments consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. Although a few variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and/or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the embodiments described above may be directed to various combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features and/or combinations and subcombinations of several further features disclosed above. In addition, the logic flows depicted in the accompanying figures and/or described herein do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other embodiments may be within the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A reactive target system for a substrate, the system comprising: a retainer configured to be attached to the substrate; a housing configured to receive the retainer and be attached to the substrate, wherein the retainer has a volume that varies between an undeployed state and a deployed state, wherein in the deployed state, the retainer is configured to exert a retention force on the housing sufficient to hold a weight of at least the substrate and the retainer within the housing.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the retainer is configured to deform or break in response to a projectile substantially impacting the retainer, wherein, the retainer is configured so that after the retainer deforms or breaks in response to the projectile substantially impacting the retainer, the retention force on the housing is no longer sufficient to hold the weight of the at least the substrate and the retainer within the housing.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein only the retention force on the housing is sufficient to hold the weight of at least the substrate and the retainer within the housing.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the retainer is inflatable, wherein the undeployed state corresponds with an uninflated or partially inflated retainer, and wherein the deployed state corresponds with an inflated retainer.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the retainer is a balloon.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the retainer is mounted proximate a position on a first portion of the substrate corresponding with a desired target on a second portion of the substrate different than the first portion.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the retainer is mounted on a position on a first side of the substrate corresponding with a desired target on a second side of the substrate directly opposite the first side.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the retainer includes at least a first retainer and a second retainer, wherein the first retainer is mounted on a first position on a first side of the substrate corresponding with a first desired target on a second side of the substrate directly opposite the first side, wherein the second retainer is mounted on a second position on the first side of the substrate corresponding with a second desired target on the second side of the substrate directly opposite the first side, and wherein the first position is a spaced distance apart from the second position.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the retainer is suspended from an external support via a cord.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the retainer is suspended from an external support via an alligator clip.
 11. A reactive target method using a reactive target system for a substrate, the reactive target system comprising: a retainer configured to be attached to the substrate; a housing configured to receive the retainer and be attached to the substrate, wherein the retainer has a volume that varies between an undeployed state and a deployed state, wherein in the deployed state, the retainer is configured to exert a retention force on the housing sufficient to hold a weight of at least the substrate and the retainer within the housing, and wherein the method comprises: inserting the retainer in the undeployed state into a cavity within the housing; inflating the retainer into the deployed state; and shooting the target with a projectile until the projectile deforms or breaks the retainer.
 12. The method of claim 11, comprising: retrieving the housing; inserting another retainer in the undeployed state into the cavity within the housing; and repeating the inflating, shooting, retrieving, and inserting.
 13. A reactive target kit for a substrate, the kit comprising: a retainer configured to be attached to the substrate; and a housing configured to receive the retainer and be attached to the substrate, wherein the retainer has a volume that varies between an undeployed state and a deployed state, wherein in the deployed state, the retainer is configured to exert a retention force on the housing sufficient to hold a weight of at least the target substrate and the retainer within the housing, and wherein the housing is configured to lie substantially flat in an undeployed state.
 14. The kit of claim 13, comprising: a cord, a clip, and an attachment device.
 15. The kit of claim 14, wherein the cord is a nylon cord or a parachute cord, wherein the clip is an alligator clip, and wherein the attachment device is at least one from the group consisting of double-sided tape, spray adhesive, a hook and loop fastener with an adhesive back, and a combination of the same.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a self-healing polymer or elastomer.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the housing comprises a self-healing polymer or elastomer.
 18. The kit of claim 13, wherein the housing comprises a self-healing polymer or elastomer.
 19. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing is configured to fold into a flat configuration, wherein the flat configuration is optimized to reduce shipping costs, and wherein a weight of the system is optimized to reduce shipping costs.
 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the housing is configured to fold into a flat configuration, wherein the flat configuration is optimized to reduce shipping costs, and wherein a weight of the system is optimized to reduce shipping costs.
 21. The kit of claim 13, wherein the housing is configured to fold into a flat configuration, wherein the flat configuration is optimized to reduce shipping costs, and wherein a weight of the kit is optimized to reduce shipping costs.
 22. The system of claim 1, wherein the substrate is a shooting target.
 23. The method of claim 11, wherein the substrate is a shooting target.
 24. The kit of claim 13, wherein the substrate is a shooting target. 